JP2009063675A - Lens barrel and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that the space is used poorly inefficiently because a second zoom linkage lever connects a cam ring to a cam ring for a fourth lens group in the conventional lens barrel. <P>SOLUTION: The lens barrel uses a focus cam for correcting an extending amount of a focus lens group by focus operation in accordance with a zoom position. The lens barrel includes a zoom operation ring 22 for performing zoom operation, a zoom cam ring 16 driving the focus lens group in response to a zoom operation based on the rotation of the zoom operation ring 22, and a first group cam ring 15 moving in an optical axis direction of the focus lens group in response to the zoom operation based on the rotation of the zoom operation ring 22 and also rotating at a rotational speed different from that of the zoom cam ring 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens barrel such as a zoom lens and an imaging apparatus such as a digital single-lens reflex camera including the lens barrel.

  As a conventional lens barrel of this type, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a zoom lens in which the amount of extension during focusing differs between the telephoto side and the wide-angle side. The zoom lens described in Patent Document 1 includes a “zoom operation ring that rotates and performs a zoom operation in an inner focus type and rear focus type zoom lens; a focus operation ring that rotates and performs a focus operation; The rotation of the zoom operation ring is transmitted, and the first cam mechanism configured between the zoom operation ring and the rotation movable cylinder that rotates and moves back and forth during the rotation of the zoom operation ring, and the outer periphery of the rotation movement cylinder are projected. A second cam mechanism configured between the rotating cylinder and the rotating cylinder that is engaged with the projecting projecting portion to transmit the rotation of the rotationally moving cylinder to the first guide member when the rotating cylinder rotates. A second lens that moves back and forth during rotation of the rotationally movable cylinder by a third cam mechanism configured between the first lens group that moves back and forth while being guided linearly and the rotationally movable cylinder Integrated with the focus operation ring, and guides the second lens group linearly when the rotationally movable cylinder rotates, and rotates the second lens group when the focus operation ring rotates, and the second cam group is guided by the third cam mechanism. And a second guide member for moving the lens group back and forth.

According to the zoom lens described in Patent Document 1 having such a configuration, when the zoom operation ring is rotated during the zoom operation, the rotationally movable cylinder is moved back and forth while being rotated by the first cam mechanism. Further, when the rotary cylinder is rotated, the second lens group is guided by the second guide member and moved straight by the third cam mechanism and is arranged at a predetermined position. Then, the rotation of the rotationally movable cylinder is transmitted to the outer rotary cylinder by the projecting portion. When the rotary cylinder rotates, the first lens group is guided straight by the first guide member by the second cam mechanism and moves straight. Placed in position. Further, when the focus operation ring is rotated during the focus operation, the second guide member rotates the second lens group, and the third lens mechanism moves the second lens group back and forth by the extension amount corresponding to the zoom position. To focus on.
JP 11-31733 A

  However, the zoom lens described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, since the cam ring and the fourth lens group cam ring are connected by the second zoom interlocking lever, the space efficiency is very poor. One of the reasons why this problem occurs is that the rotation angle of the zoom operation ring is generally about 70 to 120 degrees, so that the second zoom interlocking lever having a large angle range is rotated. Requires a very large space. The second reason for this problem is that in order to increase the amount of movement of the first lens group, it is necessary to increase the amount of movement of the cam ring, but the second zoom interlocking lever is supported by the cam ring. Therefore, the moving amount of the first lens group is limited by the moving amount of the fourth lens group cam ring (moving amount of the third lens group) and its length (full length). This is because the restriction prevents the miniaturization of the entire zoom lens and restricts the optical performance.

In recent years, digital single-lens reflex cameras have made remarkable progress and are becoming smaller, higher in pixels, and higher in performance. However, in order to reduce the size, usually at least two cam rings are rotated. In many cases, one cam ring is moved in the optical axis direction. This is because it is indispensable for suppressing the size of the lens barrel while suppressing the zoom torque while maximizing the movement amount of the lens. At this time, a problem in the design stage is a coupling mechanism for rotating these cam rings when the zoom operation ring is rotated. This is because the connecting mechanism usually takes a large space and it is necessary to secure a space for it.
It has become very important to solve these problems and to design and manufacture a compact, high-performance, low-cost lens barrel.

  The problem to be solved is that in the conventional lens barrel, since the second zoom interlocking lever is supported by the cam ring, the movement of the fourth lens group cam ring and the length of the fourth lens group cam ring are different. The amount of movement is limited, and the amount of movement of the cam ring cannot be increased.

  The lens barrel according to the present invention includes at least two cam barrels, and in the lens barrel that moves the lens group through the operation of the two cam barrels by the operation based on the rotation of the operation ring, the operation based on the rotation of the operation ring. And a first cam cylinder that drives a part of the lens group, and a part of the lens group that is moved in the optical axis direction by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring, and is rotated at a rotational speed different from that of the first cam cylinder. The main feature is that a two-cam barrel is provided.

  The image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus including a lens barrel. The lens barrel includes at least two cam cylinders, and the lens is operated through the operation of the two cam cylinders by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring. A first lens barrel that drives a part of the lens group by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring; and a part of the lens group that is moved in the optical axis direction by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring. And a second cam barrel that is rotated at a different rotational speed from the first cam barrel.

  According to the lens barrel and the imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the overall size by reducing the mechanical parts that connect the two cam cylinders. Furthermore, there is a degree of freedom to change the rotational speed of the two cam cylinders, the cam curve can be optimized, the optical performance can be improved, and the operational feeling (focus torque, zoom torque) can also be improved.

  In the lens barrel, an operating ring and two cam cylinders are provided, and by operating the operating ring, the second cam cylinder moves in the optical axis direction, and the rotational speed thereof is different from the rotational speed of the first cam cylinder. A lens barrel and an imaging device that can contribute to downsizing, high quality, and low cost have been realized with a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 39 illustrate an example of an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the lens barrel of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a first group frame, and FIG. 4 is a first group cam ring. 5 is a perspective view of the zoom cam ring, FIG. 6 is a development view of the first group cam ring, FIG. 7 is a development view of the zoom cam ring, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fixed cylinder, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fourth group cam ring. 10 is a development view of the fixed cylinder, FIGS. 11A to 11D are explanatory views showing examples of lead grooves of the fixed cylinder, FIG. 12 is a development view of the fourth group cam ring, FIG. 13 is a development view of the third group moving frame, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fourth group frame unit, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the third group moving frame, FIG. 16A is an assembly view of the zoom cam ring and the fixed barrel, and FIG. 16B is an assembly view of the zoom cam ring, the fixed barrel and the fourth group cam ring. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the connection state of the fixed frame and the zoom operation ring, FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of the zoom operation ring, FIG. 19 is a development view of the first group guide ring, and FIG. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the focus cam ring, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the second group moving frame, FIGS. 23A and 23B are development views of the focus cam ring, and FIG. 24 is a development view of the second group moving frame. 25A, B and FIG. 26 are assembly drawings of the focus cam ring and the like, FIGS. 27A to 27C are assembly drawings of the fixed cylinder, the focus cam ring and the second group ball frame, and FIGS. 28A and 28B are assembly drawings of the focus cam ring and the fixed cylinder. 29A and 29B are perspective views of the fixed holding frame, FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the focus operating ring, FIG. 31 is an assembled perspective view of the first group cam ring and the fourth group cam ring, and FIGS. FIG. 36 is a front view of a single-lens reflex camera showing a first embodiment of an image pickup apparatus having a lens barrel of the present invention, FIG. 37 is a rear view, FIG. 38 is a longitudinal sectional view, and FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of a single-lens reflex camera. Is a block diagram showing the.

  A lens barrel 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a first embodiment of the lens barrel of the present invention, and is configured as an interchangeable lens used in a digital single lens reflex camera or the like. The lens barrel 10 includes a photographing optical system constituted by a plurality of optical elements such as lenses and filters, and a mechanic system such as a ring and a frame that supports each component of the photographing optical system in a fixed or movable manner. It consists of and. This mechanic system is operated by manual operation. However, a power system such as a motor or a gear may be provided to automatically operate the mechanic system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging optical system of the lens barrel 10 includes a first lens group 1 composed of a combination of a plurality of lenses arranged in order from the subject side, and a second lens composed of a combination of a plurality of lenses. The four-group lens configuration includes a group 2, a third lens group 3 that is a combination of one or more lenses, and a fourth lens group 4 that is also a combination of a plurality of lenses. A zooming function and a focusing function are exhibited by adjusting the positions of the second lens group 2, the third lens group 3, and the fourth lens group 4, and the second to fourth lens groups 2 to 4 are moved by a predetermined amount in the optical axis direction. Thus, the zooming operation and focusing operation of the optical system can be executed.

  The mechanic system of the lens barrel 10 includes a first group frame 11 that holds the first lens group 1, a second group frame 12 that holds the second lens group 2, and a third group moving frame 13 that holds the third lens group 3. A fourth group frame unit 14 holding the fourth lens group 4, a first group cam ring 15 showing a specific example of the second cam cylinder, a zoom cam ring 16 showing a specific example of the first cam cylinder, and a fixed The cylinder 17, the fixed holding frame 18, the first group guide ring 21, the zoom operation ring 22, the exterior cover 23, the distance ring 24, the focus cam ring 25 and the like are configured. An imaging device made up of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like is disposed behind the fourth lens group 4 of the lens barrel 10 in the optical axis direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 </ b> A, and B, the first group frame 11 includes a cylindrical lens barrel ring 31 and a first group ball frame 32 held inside the lens barrel ring 31. The lens barrel 31 is formed of a stepped cylinder having a large-diameter portion 31a in which the diameter of one end in the cylinder axis direction is larger than that of the other end side, and the first group lens frame 32 is detachable inside the large-diameter portion 31a. Is attached. The first lens group frame 32 is formed of a frame that can hold a plurality of lenses, and the first lens group 1 configured as a combination of three lenses is fixed to the first lens group frame 32. At the end of the lens barrel ring 31 opposite to the large-diameter portion 31a, three first-group cam pins 33 projecting radially inward and three rotation-preventing convex portions projecting radially outward are provided. ing. The three first group cam pins 33 and the three anti-rotation projections 34 are arranged at equal angular intervals. The first group cam pin 33 and the rotation-preventing convex portion 34 are arranged at an appropriate angle in the circumferential direction.

  The first group cam ring 15 is arranged inside the lens barrel ring 31, the zoom cam ring 16 is arranged inside the first group cam ring 15, the fixed cylinder 17 is arranged inside the zoom cam ring 16, and the inner side of the fixed cylinder 17 The focus cam ring 25 is disposed on the inner side of the focus cam ring 25, and the third group moving frame 13 is disposed inside the focus cam ring 25. A fourth group cam ring 26 showing a specific example of the third cam cylinder is arranged outside the focus cam ring 25 behind the lens barrel ring 31 in the optical axis direction, and a light shielding cylinder is arranged outside the fourth group cam ring 26. 27 is arranged, and a focus operating ring 28 is arranged outside the light shielding cylinder 27. The first group guide ring 21 is disposed outside the lens barrel ring 31, the distance ring 24 is disposed outside the first group guide ring 21, and the zoom operation ring 22 and the exterior cover 23 are disposed outside the distance ring 4. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first group cam ring 15 is formed of a thin cylindrical body, and has three axial grooves 36 and three circumferential directions that pass through the meat portion and are opened on both the front and back surfaces. A groove 37 and three zoom cam grooves 38 are provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the three axial grooves 36 extend in the cylinder axis direction so as to be parallel to each other with a predetermined interval. Further, the three circumferential grooves 37 are extended in the circumferential direction at a predetermined interval on one side in the cylinder axis direction of the first group cam ring 15. Further, the three zoom cam grooves 38 linearly extend obliquely from one end of one axial groove 36 toward the other end of the other axial groove 36 between adjacent axial grooves 36, 36. Be present.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the zoom cam ring 16 is formed of a thin cylindrical body, and passes through the flesh portion and is open on both the front and back surfaces, and three rectilinear guide long grooves 41 and three rotation guide long grooves 42. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the three rectilinear guide long grooves 41 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other at a predetermined interval and extend in the cylinder axis direction. Further, the three rotation guide long grooves 42 are S-curves that are loose in an oblique direction from the vicinity of one end of one straight guide long groove 41 toward the other end of the other straight guide long groove 41 between the adjacent straight guide long grooves 41, 41. It is extended to draw. And in each groove | channel of the rectilinear guide long groove 41 and the rotation guide long groove 42, the hole diameter of one edge part is formed a little large so that insertion of a cam pin etc. can be performed easily.

  Further, the zoom cam ring 16 has an outer flange portion 16a formed so as to project radially outward at one end in the cylinder axis direction, and an inner flange formed inwardly projecting radially inward at the other end in the cylinder axis direction. A flange portion 16b is provided. Zoom interlocking pins 43 projecting outward in the radial direction are provided at two locations on the outer flange portion 16a of the zoom cam ring 16, respectively. The two zoom interlocking pins 43, 43 are arranged at a predetermined angular interval in the circumferential direction (120 degrees in this embodiment). Further, on the inner flange portion 16b side of the zoom cam ring 16, three connecting cam pins 44 are provided so as to protrude outward in the radial direction. The three connecting cam pins 44, 44 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The three connecting cam pins 44, 44 are slidably engaged with the three zoom cam grooves 38, 38 of the first group cam ring 15, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the fixed cylinder 17 is formed of a thin-walled cylinder, and includes three rectilinear guide grooves 40 and three cam grooves 45 that pass through the flesh and are open on both front and back surfaces. One lead groove 46 opened only inside the flesh portion and three fitting convex portions 47 formed so as to protrude inward are provided. As shown in FIG. 10, the three rectilinear guide grooves 40 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other at a predetermined interval, and extend in the cylinder axis direction. Further, the three cam grooves 45 draw an arcuate curve from the middle part of one of the straight guide grooves 40 toward the other end of the other straight guide groove 40 between the adjacent straight guide grooves 40, 40. Has been extended.

  On the concave side of each cam groove 45 of the fixed cylinder 17, fitting convex portions 47 are respectively arranged. Each fitting convex portion 47 is formed as a ridge portion that is inclined at a predetermined angle (45 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the rectilinear guide groove 40 and spirally extends to the middle portion. The inner surface of the fitting projection 47 is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the cylinder axis of the fixed cylinder 17. The lead groove 46 is opened on the opposite side to the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 so as to face one fitting convex portion 47, and is a predetermined angle (45 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the straight guide groove 40. ) And is formed as a long groove that is spirally extended to the middle part.

  The lead groove 46 of the fixed cylinder 17 guides the fourth group cam ring 26, and an engagement projection 26a of the fourth group cam ring 26 described later is slidably engaged. The rotational speed of the fourth group cam ring 26 can be adjusted by changing the inclination angle of the lead groove 46 and the like.

  11A to 11D show a state in which the inclination angle of the lead groove 46 is changed. 11A shows a case where the inclination angle α of the lead groove 46 is set to the normal state shown in FIG. 10 and the like, and the inclination angle α of the lead groove 46 at this time is the reference inclination angle (45 degrees in this embodiment). Let αa. In FIG. 11B, the inclination angle α of the lead groove 46 is set to an inclination angle αb that is steeper than in the normal state. In this case, the rotation amount of the fourth group cam ring 26 can be reduced. In FIG. 11C, the inclination angle α of the lead groove 46 is set to an inclination angle αc that is gentler than that in the normal state. In this case, the rotation amount of the fourth group cam ring 26 can be increased. FIG. 11D shows the inclination of the lead groove 46 as an approximately S-shaped cam curve. In this case, the rotation amount of the fourth group cam ring 26 can be increased or decreased within one stroke.

  Further, three connecting arms 48 projecting radially outward are provided at the end of the fixed cylinder 17 on the side where the lead groove 46 opens. The three connecting arms 48 are arranged at equal intervals with a predetermined angular interval in the circumferential direction. The fixed cylinder 17 is rotatably connected to the zoom cam ring 16 by a bayonet, and the zoom cam ring 16 is rotated by rotating the zoom operation ring 22.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the fourth group cam ring 26 is formed of a thin cylindrical body, passes through the flesh portion, and is opened on both the front and back surfaces, and the inner side of the flesh portion. The four-group auxiliary cam groove 52 having an approximately L shape that is opened only at the top and the engaging protrusion 26a described above. As shown in FIG. 12, the two four-group cam grooves 51, 51 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, and extend in an arc shape in the circumferential direction so as to be concave in one of the cylindrical axis directions. Has been. The two 4-group auxiliary cam grooves 52, 52 are disposed between the adjacent 4-group cam grooves 51, 51, and extend in the cylinder axis direction and open at one end, and an axial groove portion 52a. The circumferential groove 52b is continuous in the circumferential direction from the inner end of the axial groove 52a, and the curved groove 52c is curved in the axial direction at the tip of the circumferential groove 52b.

  Two four group cam pins 53, 53 are slidably engaged with the two four group cam grooves 51, 51 of the fourth group cam ring 26, respectively. The two 4-group cam pins 53, 53 are arranged at positions that are rotationally displaced by 180 degrees, and penetrate the two 4-group straight guide grooves 54, 54 of the third-group moving frame 13. The fourth group frame unit 14 is coupled to the fourth group cam ring 26 via the third group moving frame 13 by the two fourth group cam pins 53, 53.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the fourth group frame unit 14 includes a fourth group movement frame 61 formed of a cylindrical tube, and a fourth group ball frame 62 held inside the fourth group movement frame 61. Have. The fourth lens group frame 62 is formed of a frame that can hold a plurality of lenses, and the fourth lens group 4 configured as a combination of five lenses is fixed to the fourth lens group frame 62. Further, two four-group cam pins 53 and 53 are attached at positions that are rotationally displaced by 180 degrees on the outer peripheral surface of the fourth-group moving frame 61.

  The third group moving frame 13 has a configuration as shown in FIGS. That is, the third group moving frame 13 is formed of a thin cylindrical body, and includes two fourth group straight guide grooves 54 and 54 and two fourth group auxiliary cam pins 55 and 55. FIG. 13 is a development view of the third group moving frame 13. The two fourth-group straight guide grooves 54, 54 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction and extend in parallel to the cylinder axis direction, and in the vicinity of each of the fourth-group straight guide grooves 54. The fourth group auxiliary cam pins 55 are respectively arranged.

  An inner flange portion 13 a that protrudes inward in the radial direction is provided on one side of the third group moving frame 13 in the cylinder axis direction. A third group ball frame 56 is fixed to the inner flange portion 13a. The third lens group frame 56 is formed of a frame that can hold a plurality of lenses, and the third lens group 3 configured as a combination of two lenses is fixed to the third lens group frame 56. A third group extension ring 57 is detachably attached to the tip of the third group moving frame 13.

  Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the third group moving frame 13 on the inner flange portion 13a side, three third group pins 58 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The third group pin 58 includes two rollers 58a and 58b and a mounting screw 59 that passes through the two rollers 58a and 58b and is rotatably supported by the third group moving frame 13. The two rollers 58a and 58b are layered, the fixed cylinder 17 and the zoom cam ring 16 are opposed to the first roller 58a, and the first group cam ring 15 and the first group guide ring 21 are opposed to the second roller 58b. Are opposed. The second rollers 58b of the three third group pins 58 are slidably engaged with the three circumferential grooves 37 of the first group cam ring 15, respectively.

  FIG. 16A shows a state in which the fixed cylinder 17 is fitted and combined with the zoom cam ring 16. A fixed cylinder 17 is inserted inside the zoom cam ring 16, and there are three connecting arms 48 provided on the fixed cylinder 17 in the vicinity of the two zoom interlocking pins 43 provided on the outer flange portion 16 a of the zoom cam ring 16. Two of 48 are approached. FIG. 16B shows a state where the assembly of the zoom cam ring 16 and the fixed cylinder 17 is further fitted and combined with the fourth group cam ring 26. The engagement protrusion 26a of the fourth group cam ring 26 is slidably engaged with the lead groove 46 of the fixed cylinder 17.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connection state among the zoom cam ring 16, the fixed cylinder 17, and the zoom operation ring 22. As shown in FIGS. 1, 18A, and 18B, the zoom operation ring 22 is formed of a cylinder having a step in the middle of the cylinder axis direction, and a zoom rubber ring 65 is fitted to the outer peripheral surface on the small diameter side. Yes. A knurling for preventing slippage is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the zoom rubber ring 65, and the zoom operation ring 22 is rotated by rotating the zoom rubber ring 65. A pin holding portion 66 for engaging and holding the zoom interlocking pin 43 of the zoom cam ring 16 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the zoom operation ring 22.

  A rear holding ring 67 is provided on the rear side of the zoom operation ring 22 in the optical axis direction OL. A lens mount 68 is fixed to the rear holding ring 67, and the lens barrel 10 is detachably attached to the imaging device such as a single-lens reflex camera via the lens mount 68. An exterior cover 23 is disposed on the front side of the zoom operation ring 22 in the optical axis direction OL. The exterior cover 23 is provided with a distance scale window 69 for peeking inside. By looking at the internal scale from the distance scale window 69, the distance to the subject can be seen and understood.

  FIG. 19 is a development view of the first group guide ring 21. The first group guide ring 21 is formed of a thin-walled cylinder, and includes three axial guide grooves 71 that are opened only on the outside of the flesh and three bosses that penetrate the flesh and the boss projecting inward. A fitting hole 72 is provided. The three axial guide grooves 71 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the first group guide ring 21 and extend in parallel with the cylindrical axis direction. Further, the three axial guide grooves 71 are opened only at one end of the first group guide ring 21 in the cylinder axial direction, and on the opposite side of the opening, three fittings are also arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A joint hole 72 is provided. The three fitting holes 72 are fitted with the second rollers 58b of the three third group pins 58, respectively.

  FIG. 20 is a view showing an assembly of the second group frame 12. The second group frame assembly 74 includes a second group frame 12, a focus cam ring 25, and a second group moving frame 75. The second group frame 12 is a second lens group 2 configured as a combination of a two group ball frame 76 made of a frame capable of holding a plurality of lenses and five lenses held by the second group ball frame 76. It is made up of.

  The focus cam ring 25 has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the focus cam ring 25 has a thin cylindrical body, and is provided with an outer flange portion 25a that protrudes radially outward at one end in the cylindrical axis direction. The outer flange portion 25 a is for screwing the second group frame 12 to the focus cam ring 25. At the other end of the focus cam ring 25 in the cylinder axis direction, a focus interlocking lever 77 extending to the back surface and protruding in parallel with the cylinder axis direction is provided. A focus operating ring 28 is connected to the focus interlocking lever 77.

  Further, the focus cam ring 25 is provided with three variator cams 78 and three L-shaped position restricting portions 79 as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B. At one end of the focus cam ring 25 in the cylinder axis direction, three notches 81 that are notched in a sawtooth shape are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The notch 81 includes a vertical portion 81a extending in parallel with the cylinder axis direction, a horizontal portion 81b extending in the horizontal direction continuously to the bottom portion of the vertical portion 81a, and an end surface continuous to the other end of the horizontal portion 81b. And an inclined surface portion 81c extending obliquely.

  One end of the variator cam 78 is opened in the vertical portion 81a of the notch 81, and is formed to bend in a direction away from the notch 81 according to the rotation angle. One variator cam 78 is set at a rotation angle of 120 degrees or more, one of which exceeds 1/3 of the circumferential direction. Therefore, the tip of each variator cam 78 extends (overlaps) to a position farther from the vertical portion 81 a of the adjacent notch portion 81. In FIGS. 23A and 23B, symbol WI indicates the wide side infinite position, WN indicates the wide side near position, TI indicates the tele side infinite position, and TN indicates the tele side near position.

  Three position restricting portions 79 are provided at positions corresponding to the intermediate portions of the three variator cams 78, respectively. The position restricting portion 79 includes a horizontal portion 79a facing the slope portion 81c of the variator cam 78, a vertical portion 79b continuous to the vertical portion 81a side of the notch portion 81 of the horizontal portion 79a, and a vertical portion 79b. And a reinforcing rib portion 79c that is continuous on the side away from the notch 81. The horizontal portion 79a of the position restricting portion 79 is provided so as to extend in the circumferential direction on a surface perpendicular to the cylinder axis direction. The horizontal portion 79 a is set at substantially the same position as the tip of the variator cam 78 in the cylinder axis direction of the focus cam ring 25. The vertical portion 79b of the position restricting portion 79 is provided so as to extend in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis direction. The horizontal portion 79a and the vertical portion 79b constitute the substantial portion of the position restricting portion 79, which prevents the focus cam ring 25 from falling off as will be described later.

  The reinforcing rib portion 79c of the position restricting portion 79 is provided for reinforcement in order to reinforce the focus cam ring 25 and prevent deformation. Since the reinforcing rib portion 79c does not have a function as a receiving member like the horizontal portion 79a and the vertical portion 79b, the reinforcing rib portion 79c may be omitted when the focus cam ring 25 has no problem in strength or deformation. is there.

  The second group moving frame 75 has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the second group moving frame 75 is formed by a ring-shaped frame. The second group moving frame 75 is provided with three second group cam pins 84 and three focus cam pins 85. The three second group cam pins 84 are attached so as to protrude radially outward at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The second group cam pin 84 has a roller 84a that is rotatably and slidably engaged with the cam groove 45 of the fixed cylinder 17, and a mounting screw 84b that rotatably supports the roller 84a on the second group moving frame 75. ing.

  FIG. 24 shows the second group moving frame 75 in an expanded state. The three focus cam pins 85 are attached so as to protrude radially inward at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The head of the focus cam pin 85 has a tapered shape (mushroom shape) and is slidably engaged with the three variator cams 78 of the focus cam ring 25.

  FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 26 illustrate the assembled state of the focus cam ring 25, the second group moving frame 75, and the focus operation ring 28. FIG. 25A is the infinite position on the wide side, FIG. Reference numeral 26 denotes a tele-side infinite position. The focus operation ring 28 has a ring-shaped main body portion, and a gear portion 86 and an engaging protrusion 87 are provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion. The gear part 86 transmits the driving force of autofocus. Further, a sliding bearing 88 is provided on one end face of the main body portion of the focus operation ring 28 so as to protrude in the cylinder axis direction. The sliding bearing transmits a driving force from a manual focus. The sliding bearing holds a focus interlocking lever 77 provided on the focus cam ring 25 so as to be slidable in the cylinder axis direction.

  FIGS. 27A, B, C and FIGS. 28A, 28B are views showing a state in which the fixed cylinder 17 is assembled to the second group frame assembly 74. The second group cam pin 84 of the second group moving frame 75 is slidably engaged with the cam groove 45 of the fixed cylinder 17. 27 and 28A show a state in which the second group moving frame 75 is retracted, and FIG. 28B shows a state in which the second group moving frame 75 has popped out.

  29A and 29B show the fixed holding ring 18. The fixed holding ring 18 is formed of a cylindrical member, and a zoom operation ring 22 is rotatably fitted on the outside thereof.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an assembled state of the focus operating ring 28, the distance ring 24, and the clutch unit 91. As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch unit 91 is disposed outside the first group guide ring 21 and in front of the fixed holding ring 18 and the distance ring 24. A focus operation ring 92 is disposed on the front side of the clutch unit 91. A focus rubber ring 93 is attached to the focus operation ring 92. The clutch unit 91 rotates the focus operation ring 92 and the like. When the focus operation ring 92 is rotated, the distance ring 24 rotates. However, even if the distance ring 24 is rotated, the focus operation ring 92 is not rotated. It has become.

  Further, a connecting arm 95 provided on the distance ring 24 is movably engaged and held on the engagement protrusion 87 of the focus operating ring 28. Further, a focus brush 96 is attached to the focus operating ring 28. The focus brush 96 is in rotational contact with an encoder (not shown) and transmits an electrical signal. FIG. 31 is a view for explaining an assembled state of the zoom cam ring 16 and the third group moving frame 13.

The operation of the lens barrel 10 having such a configuration will be described next. First, an operation when the zoom operation ring 22 is rotated during a zoom operation will be described.
When the zoom operation ring 22 rotates, a rotational force is transmitted to the zoom cam ring 16 through the zoom interlocking pin 43, and the zoom cam ring 16 rotates. When the zoom cam ring 16 rotates, the third group moving frame 13 moves forward without rotating through the third group pin 58 by the straight guide groove 40 of the fixed cylinder 17 and the rotation guide long groove 42 of the zoom cam ring 16. Further, the rotational force is transmitted to the first group cam ring 15 through a connecting cam pin 44 (engaged with the straight guide groove 40 of the first group cam ring 15) attached to the tip of the zoom cam ring 16.

  At this time, since the third group pin 58 is inserted into the circumferential groove 37 of the first group cam ring 15, the first group cam ring 15 moves forward while rotating at the same speed as the third group moving frame 13. Further, the rotation of the first group frame 11 is restricted by the rectilinear guide groove of the lens barrel ring 31 by the rotation stop convex portion 34, and the first group cam pin 33 is pushed out by the cam groove 38 of the first group cam ring 15. As a result, the first group cam ring 15 is extended largely in addition to the above-described forward movement.

  Since the fourth group cam ring 26 is formed with a fourth group auxiliary cam groove 52 that engages with the fourth group auxiliary cam pin 55 on the inner diameter portion thereof, when the third group moving frame 13 is extended, the fourth group cam ring 26 also It is paid out. When the fourth group cam ring 26 is extended, the engagement projection 26a is engaged with the lead groove 46 of the fixed cylinder 17, so that the fourth group cam ring 26 rotates. That is, the fourth group cam ring 26 is fed out at a speed different from that of the third group moving frame 13 while rotating at a speed different from that of the zoom cam ring 16 and the first group cam ring 15. Therefore, by providing the lead groove 46 and the fourth group auxiliary cam groove 52, the rotational speed and the feeding speed of the fourth group cam ring 26 can be arbitrarily set, so that the degree of freedom in cam design becomes very large.

  In the fourth group frame unit 14, as shown in FIG. 14, the fourth group cam pin 53 is formed in the fourth group cam ring 26 using the fourth group straight guide groove 54 formed in the third group moving frame 13 as a straight guide. It is extended by the fourth group cam groove 51. That is, the fourth group frame unit 14 is further extended by the fourth group cam groove 51 with respect to the fourth group cam ring 26.

  Further, the second group moving frame 75 is drawn out while rotating by the cam groove 45 formed in the fixed cylinder 17 by the second group cam pin 84 obtaining a rotational force from the straight guide long groove 41 of the zoom cam ring 16. The focus cam ring 25 does not rotate because the focus interlocking lever 77 is prevented from rotating, but the second group moving frame 75 rotates and is fed out. Therefore, the focus cam ring 25 is extended together with the second group moving frame 75, and further, since the position where the variator cam 78 is in contact with the second group cam pin 84 changes, the focus cam ring 25 is extended. That is, the focus cam ring 25 is disposed at a predetermined position obtained by combining the amount of movement of the second group moving frame 75 by the cam groove 45 and the amount of movement by the variator cam 78.

In this way, the amount of feeding and the rotation speed of each component when the zoom operation is performed are summarized as follows.
Zoom cam ring 16 ... No feed out, rotation speed is the same speed as zoom operation ring 22. Group 3 moving frame 13 ... Feeding speed is due to rotation guide long groove 42. No rotation 1st group cam ring 15 ··················································································· According to the long groove 42. No rotation 4th group cam ring 26... The feeding speed depends on the rotation guide long groove 42 and the 4th group auxiliary cam groove 52. The rotation speed depends on the lead groove 46 and its own feeding speed.
Fourth group frame unit 14... The feeding speed is determined by the rotation guide long groove 42, the fourth group cam groove 51, and the fourth group auxiliary cam groove 52. No rotation Second group moving frame 75... The feeding speed depends on the cam groove 45. The rotation speed is the same as that of the zoom operation ring 22. The focus cam ring 25... Is fed out by the cam groove 45 and the variator cam 78. No rotation

Next, a case where the focus operation ring 92 is rotated during the focus operation will be described.
When the focus operation ring 92 rotates, the distance ring 24 rotates via the clutch unit 91, and when the distance ring 24 rotates, the focus operation ring 28 connected by the connecting arm 95 rotates. When the focus operating ring 28 rotates, the focus cam ring 25 rotates via the focus interlocking lever 77. When the focus cam ring 25 rotates, the use position of the variator cam 78 changes, and the focus cam ring 25 moves in the optical axis direction. In this embodiment, the variator cam 78 is provided on the focus cam ring 25 and the cam pin is provided on the second group moving frame 75. On the contrary, the cam pin is provided on the focus cam ring 25, Of course, the second group moving frame 75 may be provided with a variator cam 78.

Next, the position restriction of the focus cam ring 25 will be described.
The focus cam ring 25 is supported on the second group moving frame 75 by three focus cam pins 85 as shown in FIGS. 20, 25 and 26. The three focus cam pins 85 mainly serve to regulate the tilt component of the focus cam ring 25 (component tilted with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis).

  Assuming a completely ideal shape with no backlash component, the focus cam pin 85 is a taper pin (mushroom shape), so a shift component (a component in a direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis). However, since there is actually a backlash and there is only one place of the focus interlocking lever 77 in the straight traveling guidance, a receiving surface for regulating the shift component is required. This shift component is restricted by a position restricting portion 79 showing a specific example of L-shaped receiving surfaces provided at three positions at intervals of 120 degrees. The position restricting portion 79 is opposed to the inner surface of the fixed cylinder 17 and is in contact with the three fitting convex portions 47.

Next, the shape of the position restricting portion 79 will be described.
In this embodiment, the amount of extension of the focus lens group by the focus operation is applied to a zoom lens having a configuration using a focus cam that corrects according to the zoom position. Therefore, the length of the variator cam 78 in the circumferential direction is extended to 110 degrees or more, which is a very long configuration. The breakdown of the configuration of the variator cam 78 is, for example, an angle for assembling required for assembly, with a zoom rotation angle of 70 degrees and a focus rotation angle of 40 degrees.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20 and FIGS. 23A and 23B, the end of one variator cam 78 at the tele side (T NEAR) position and the end of the variator cam 78 adjacent to the end of the wide side infinite (W INF) position. Overlap each other, resulting in an overlap OR. In order to avoid the interference with the focus cam (variator cam 78) when trying to produce the position restricting portion which is the receiving surface in such a state, there is only a way to escape in the optical axis direction.

  However, in this type of lens barrel, it is necessary to increase the amount of movement of the second lens group 2 in order to maintain high optical performance at a high magnification. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28B, when the tele-near (T NEAR) position, the focus cam ring 25 is largely extended with respect to the fixed cylinder 17, so that the position of the horizontal portion 79a of the current position restricting portion 79 is set as a reinforcing rib. When the portion 79c is shifted to the horizontal position, the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 comes off and comes out.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the position restricting portion 79 does not come off from the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 even at the tele close (T NEAR) position, and it interferes with the focus cam (variator cam). The horizontal portion 79a of the position restricting portion 79 is provided at the position where it is not. The receiving surface of the portion that interferes with the variator cam 78 that is a focus cam is bent vertically from one end of the horizontal portion 79a in the optical axis direction to form a vertical portion 79b, and the fixed cylinder 17 can be supported by the vertical portion 79b. In this manner, the focus cam ring 25 can be largely extended in the optical axis direction with respect to the fixed cylinder 17.

  32 to 35 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the position restricting unit 79 at the zoom position and the focus position. In these drawings, the fixed cylinder 17, the focus cam ring 25, and the second group moving frame 75 are expanded and overlapped, respectively, and the wide side infinite (W INF) position, the wide side near (W NEAR) position, the tele side infinite (T INF). ) The mutual positional relationship at each position of the position and the tele-near (T NEAR) position is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 32, in the wide side infinite (W INF) position, the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 contacts the entire position restricting portion 79 and is supported by the entire position restricting portion 79. The focus cam ring 25 does not come off. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 33, at the wide side (W NEAR) position, the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 contacts the entire position restricting portion 79 and is supported by the entire position restricting portion 79. Therefore, the focus cam ring 25 does not come off.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 34, at the tele-side infinite (TINF) position, the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 comes into contact with the vertical portion 79b of the position restricting portion 79 and is supported by the vertical portion 79b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the focus cam ring 25 from coming off. Further, as shown in FIG. 35, in the tele-near (T NEAR) position, the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 is in contact with and supported by the horizontal portion 79a of the position restricting portion 79. The focus cam ring 25 does not come off.

  As is apparent from FIGS. 32 to 35, when the position restricting portion 79 does not have the vertical portion 79b, the focus cam ring 25 is fitted to the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 at the tele-side infinite (TINF) position. Thus, the focus cam ring 25 cannot be supported. Further, if the horizontal portion 79a of the position restricting portion 79 is extended in the circumferential direction so that the focus cam ring 25 does not come off the fixed cylinder 17, it cannot interfere with the variator cam 78 and serve as a cam. . In order to avoid this, if the horizontal portion 79a of the position restricting portion 79 is moved in the optical axis direction, the focus cam ring 25 will be disengaged from the fitting convex portion 47 of the fixed cylinder 17 at the tele-side (T NEAR) position. become.

  In order to prevent the focus cam ring 25 from detaching from the fixed cylinder 17 and to support the focus cam ring 25 by the fixed cylinder 17 at all positions, the receiving surface of the position restricting portion is set by bending. Alternatively, it is necessary to enlarge the entire lens barrel, or to save optical performance and specifications, and to reduce the focus or the amount of movement of the second lens group 2. The present embodiment is configured based on these viewpoints. According to the position restricting portion 79 according to this embodiment, the lens barrel can be reduced in size and performance can be improved. In this embodiment, the essential element portion of the position restricting portion 79 is configured in an L shape. However, the position restricting portion 79 is not necessarily in an L shape. For example, while using the dead space of the focus cam ring 25, the focus cam Of course, the portion that interferes with the (variator cam) may be formed by bending the receiving surface.

  Next, an example of an imaging apparatus in which the lens barrel having the above-described configuration is used will be described. 36 to 39 are diagrams illustrating a digital single-lens reflex camera showing a specific example of the imaging apparatus of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 36, the digital single-lens reflex camera 100 includes a camera main body (camera body) 101. A lens barrel 10 that is an interchangeable photographic lens unit is detachably attached to the camera body 101.

  The camera body 101 includes an annular mount portion MT to which the lens barrel 10 is attached at the substantially front center. An attachment / detachment button 102 for attaching / detaching the lens barrel 10 is provided in the vicinity of the mount portion MT. In addition, the camera body 101 includes a mode setting dial 103 at the upper left on the front side. By operating the mode setting dial 103, various camera modes (such as various shooting modes (people shooting mode, landscape shooting mode, full-auto shooting mode, etc.), playback modes for playing back captured images, and between external devices It is possible to perform a setting operation (switching operation) including a communication mode for performing data communication.

  In addition, the camera body 101 includes a grip portion 104 for the photographer to hold at the left end of the front. A release button 105 for instructing the start of exposure is provided on the upper surface of the grip unit 104. A battery storage chamber and a card storage chamber are provided inside the grip portion 104. A battery such as a lithium ion battery is housed in the battery compartment as a power source for the camera, and an external storage device such as a memory card for recording image data of the photographed image is detachably housed in the card compartment. It has come to be.

  The release button 105 is a two-stage detection button that can detect two states, a half-pressed state (S1 state) and a fully-pressed state (S2 state). When the release button 105 is half-pressed to enter the S1 state, a preparation operation (for example, an AF control operation) for acquiring a recording still image (main captured image) related to the subject is performed. Further, when the release button 105 is further pushed into the S2 state, the photographing operation of the actual captured image {the exposure operation relating to the subject image (the subject optical image) is performed using the imaging device, and the image signal obtained by the exposure operation is obtained. A series of operations for performing predetermined image processing on is performed.

  In FIG. 37, a finder window (eyepiece window) 110 is provided at the upper center of the back surface of the camera body 101. The photographer can determine the composition by visually recognizing the optical image of the subject guided from the lens barrel 10 by looking through the viewfinder window 110. That is, it is possible to determine the composition using an optical finder. In the digital single-lens reflex camera 100 according to this embodiment, the composition can be determined using a live view image displayed on the rear monitor 111. Further, the switching operation between the composition determination operation by the optical finder and the composition determination operation by the live view display is realized by the operator rotating the switching dial 106.

  A rear monitor 111 is provided at substantially the center of the rear surface of the camera body 101. The rear monitor 111 is configured as a color liquid crystal display (LCD), for example. The rear monitor 111 can display a menu screen for setting shooting conditions and the like, and can reproduce and display a captured image recorded on the memory card in the reproduction mode. In addition, when the operator selects composition determination based on the live view display instead of composition determination based on the optical viewfinder, a plurality of time-series images (that is, moving images) acquired by the image sensor are live on the rear monitor 111. Displayed as a view image.

  A power switch (main switch) 112 is provided at the upper left of the rear monitor 111. The power switch 112 is a two-point slide switch. When the contact is set to the left “OFF” position, the power is turned off. When the contact is set to the right “ON” position, the power is turned on. Further, a direction selection key 113 is provided on the right side of the rear monitor 111. This direction selection key 113 has a circular operation button, and it is possible to detect a pressing operation in four directions of up, down, left and right, and a pressing operation in four directions of upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left on this operation button. It has become. In addition, the direction selection key 113 is configured to detect a pressing operation of a push button at the center, in addition to the pressing operations in the eight directions. On the left side of the rear monitor 111, a setting button group 83 including a plurality of buttons for setting a menu screen, deleting an image, and the like is provided.

  FIG. 38 shows a cross section of the digital single-lens reflex camera 100 in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. Inside the camera body 101, an image sensor 120 made of CCD, CMOS, or the like, a main mirror 121, a sub mirror 122, a penta mirror 123, a focusing screen 124, an optical unit 125, and the like are housed. As a result, the image of the subject entering through the lens barrel 10 is guided to the finder window 110 via the main mirror 121, the pentamirror 123, and the optical unit 125. As described above, the finder optical system including the main mirror 61, the pentamirror 65, and the optical unit 125 transmits the observation light beam, which is the light beam from the photographing optical system and reflected by the main mirror 121, to the finder window 110. It is possible to lead to.

  Further, the light transmitted through the main mirror 121 is reflected by the sub-mirror 122, changes its path downward, and enters the AF module 126. The AF module 126, the focus control unit, and the like implement an AF operation using light that has entered through the main mirror 121 and the sub mirror 122.

  Next, an overview of the functions of the digital single-lens reflex camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the digital single-lens reflex camera 100. The digital single-lens reflex camera 100 includes an operation unit 130, an overall control unit 140, a focus control unit 141, a mirror control unit 142, a shutter control unit 143, a timing control circuit 144, a digital signal processing circuit 150, and the like. The operation unit 130 includes various buttons including the release button 105, switches, and the like. In response to a user input operation on the operation unit 130, the overall control unit 140 implements various operations.

  The overall control unit 140 is configured as a microcomputer, and mainly includes a CPU, a memory, a ROM, and the like. The overall control unit 140 implements various functions by reading a program stored in the ROM and executing the program on the CPU. For example, the overall control unit 140 includes a first exposure control unit 146 and a second exposure control unit 147 that are functionally realized by executing a program. The first exposure control unit 146 performs exposure control related to the finder image sensor 180. Further, in the EVF mode, the first exposure control unit 146 basically performs exposure control of the image sensor 180 based on the image signal of the finder image sensor 180. However, when a specific condition is satisfied (in other words, when a specific timing arrives), an exposure control value in exposure control is obtained based on a photometric value obtained by the photometric sensor.

  The second exposure control unit 147 performs exposure control of the image sensor 120. Further, the second exposure control unit 147 obtains a photometric value (subject luminance) related to the subject based on the image signal of the finder image sensor 180 for which exposure control has been performed by the first exposure control unit 146, and the subject luminance. Based on the above, exposure control of the image sensor 120 is executed.

  The overall control unit 140 performs a focus control operation for controlling the position of the focus lens in cooperation with the AF module 126, the focus control unit 141, and the like. The overall control unit 140 implements an AF operation using the focus control unit 141 in accordance with the focus state of the subject detected by the AF module 126. The AF module 126 can detect the in-focus state of the subject by using the light that has entered through the mirror mechanism 160 by a focus state detection method such as a phase difference method.

  The focus control unit 141 generates a control signal based on a signal input from the overall control unit 140 and drives the motor M1, thereby moving the focus lens included in the lens group 190 of the lens barrel 10. Further, the position of the focus lens is detected by the lens position detection unit 191 of the lens barrel 10, and data indicating the position of the focus lens is sent to the overall control unit 140. In this way, the focus control unit 141, the overall control unit 140, and the like control the movement of the focus lens in the optical axis direction.

  The mirror control unit 142 controls state switching between a state in which the mirror mechanism 160 is retracted from the optical path (mirror up state) and a state in which the mirror mechanism 160 blocks the optical path (mirror down state). The mirror control unit 142 generates a control signal based on the signal input from the overall control unit 140, and switches the mirror up state and the mirror down state by driving the motor M2. The shutter control unit 143 generates a control signal based on the signal input from the overall control unit 140, and controls the opening and closing of the shutter 170 by driving the motor M3. In addition, the timing control circuit 144 performs timing control on the image sensor 120 and the like.

  An image sensor (comprising a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like) 120 converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal by a photoelectric conversion action, and generates an image signal (recording image signal) related to the actual captured image. The image sensor 120 is also expressed as an image sensor for acquiring a recorded image. Furthermore, the image sensor 120 responds to drive control signals (accumulation start signal and accumulation end signal) input from the timing control circuit 144 to expose the subject image formed on the light receiving surface (charge accumulation by photoelectric conversion). To generate an image signal related to the subject image. In addition, the image sensor 120 outputs the image signal to the signal processing unit 151 in response to the readout control signal input from the timing control circuit 144.

  The timing signal (synchronization signal) from the timing control circuit 144 is also input to the signal processing unit 151 and the A / D (analog / digital) conversion circuit 152. The image signal acquired by the imaging device 120 is subjected to predetermined analog signal processing in the signal processing unit 151, and the image signal after the analog signal processing is converted into digital image data (image data) by the A / D conversion circuit 152. Is done. This image data is input to the digital signal processing circuit 150.

  The digital signal processing circuit 150 performs digital signal processing on the image data input from the A / D conversion circuit 152 to generate image data related to the captured image. The digital signal processing circuit 150 includes a black level correction circuit 153, a white balance (WB) circuit 154, a γ correction circuit 155, and an image memory 156.

  The black level correction circuit 153 corrects the black level of each pixel data constituting the image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 152 to a reference black level. The WB circuit 154 performs white balance adjustment of the image. The γ correction circuit 155 performs gradation conversion of the captured image. The image memory 156 is a high-speed accessible image memory for temporarily storing generated image data, and has a capacity capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames.

  At the time of actual shooting, the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 156 is appropriately subjected to image processing (compression processing or the like) in the overall control unit 140 and then stored in the memory card 115 via the card I / F 132. Further, the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 156 is appropriately transferred to the VRAM 131 by the overall control unit 140, and an image based on the image data is displayed on the rear monitor 111. Thereby, confirmation display (after view) for confirming the captured image, reproduction display for reproducing the captured image, and the like are realized.

  The image sensor 180 serves as a so-called live view image acquisition (moving image acquisition) image sensor. The image sensor 180 also has the same configuration as the image sensor 120. However, the image sensor 180 only needs to have a resolution for generating an image signal (moving image) for live view, and is usually configured with a smaller number of pixels than the image sensor 120. The image signal acquired by the image sensor 180 is also subjected to the same signal processing as the image signal acquired by the image sensor 120. That is, the image signal acquired by the image sensor 180 is subjected to predetermined processing by the signal processing unit 151, converted into digital data by the A / D conversion circuit 152, and then subjected to predetermined image processing by the digital signal processing circuit 150. And stored in the image memory 156.

  The time series image data acquired by the image sensor 180 and stored in the image memory 156 is sequentially transferred to the VRAM 131 as appropriate by the overall control unit 140, and a plurality of images based on the time series image data are displayed on the rear monitor 111. Are displayed in sequence. As a result, display of a moving image mode (live view display) for composition determination is realized.

  In particular, in order to increase the processing speed, it is preferable that the image processing regarding the image sensor 120 and the image processing regarding the image sensor 180 are performed in parallel. Therefore, here, it is assumed that the timing control circuit 144, the signal processing unit 151, the A / D conversion circuit 152, the digital signal processing circuit 150, and the like each have two systems of processing circuits, and both the imaging elements 120 and 180 are related. Assume that image processing is performed in parallel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one system is provided for the timing control circuit 144, the signal processing unit 151, the A / D conversion circuit 152, the digital signal processing circuit 150, and the like. You may make it perform the image process regarding the image pick-up element 180 sequentially in this order or reverse order.

  Further, the digital single-lens reflex camera 100 has a communication I / F 133 and can perform data communication with a device (for example, a personal computer) to which the interface 133 is connected. The digital single-lens reflex camera 100 includes a flash device 116, a flash control circuit 117, and an AF auxiliary light emitting unit 127. The flash device 116 is a light source used when the luminance of the subject is insufficient. Whether or not the flash is turned on, the lighting time, and the like are controlled by the flash control circuit 117, the overall control unit 140, and the like. The AF auxiliary light emitting unit 127 is an AF auxiliary light source. Whether the AF auxiliary light emitting unit 127 is lit or not, the lighting time, and the like are controlled by the overall control unit 140 and the like.

Next, the photographing operation of the digital single lens reflex camera 100 will be described.
In this digital single lens reflex camera 100, it is possible to perform composition determination (framing) using an optical viewfinder {also referred to as an optical viewfinder (OVF)} constituted by a viewfinder optical system or the like, and a rear monitor. It is also possible to determine the composition using the live view image displayed in 111. Note that the finder function realized by using the image sensor 180 and the rear monitor 111 is also referred to as an electronic viewfinder (EVF) because it visualizes a light image of a subject after converting it into electronic data.

  The operator can select whether to use the optical viewfinder (OVF) to determine the composition or to use the electronic viewfinder (EVF) to determine the composition by operating the switching dial 106. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 38, a mirror mechanism 160 is provided on the optical path (imaging optical path) from the lens barrel 10 to the image sensor 120, and the mirror mechanism 160 directs light from the imaging optical system upward. The main mirror 121 (main reflection surface) is reflected. For example, a part or all of the main mirror 121 is configured as a half mirror, and transmits a part of light from the photographing optical system. The mirror mechanism 160 also has a sub-mirror 122 (sub-reflection surface) that reflects light transmitted through the main mirror 121 downward. The light reflected downward by the sub mirror 122 is guided to the AF module 126 to be incident thereon, and is used for the phase difference type AF operation.

  In the shooting mode, until the release button 105 is fully pressed S2, in other words, when determining the composition, the mirror mechanism 160 is arranged to be in the mirror down state. At this time, the subject image from the lens barrel 10 is reflected upward by the main mirror 121 and enters the pentamirror 123 as an observation light beam. The pentamirror 123 has a plurality of mirrors (reflection surfaces) and has a function of adjusting the orientation of the subject image. In addition, the path of the observation light beam after entering the pentamirror 123 differs depending on which of the above two methods (that is, the OVF method or the EVF method) is used for composition determination. The person can determine the composition according to the selected desired method.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the lens barrel using the focus cam that corrects the extension amount of the focus lens group by the focus operation according to the zoom position, but can be applied to a normal zoom lens. Of course, it can be used only for the zoom function or the focus function.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a digital single-lens reflex camera is applied as an imaging device has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a digital video camera, a film type single-lens reflex camera, an analog video camera, a surveillance camera, and other imaging devices. is there. Further, although an example using a four-group lens as an optical lens has been described, it may be a three-group lens or a five-group lens or more.

It is sectional drawing of the upper half which shows the 1st Example of the lens-barrel of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the 1st Example of the lens-barrel of this invention. FIG. 3A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view seen from the rear side, showing a first group frame relating to the lens barrel of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 1 group cam ring (2nd cam cylinder) which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the zoom cam ring (1st cam cylinder) which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. FIG. 4 is a development view showing cam grooves and the like of a first group cam ring (second cam cylinder) according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a development view showing cam grooves and the like of a zoom cam ring (first cam cylinder) according to the lens barrel of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the fixed cylinder which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 4 group cam ring (3rd cam cylinder) which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. FIG. 3 is a development view showing a cam groove and the like of a fixed cylinder according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 11A shows a normal inclination angle, FIG. 11B shows a steep inclination angle, FIG. 11C shows a gentle inclination angle, and FIG. 11D shows an example of a lead groove among the cam grooves and the like of the fixed cylinder according to the lens barrel of the present invention. These are each a development view by a cam curve. 4 is a development view showing cam grooves and the like of a fourth group cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. It is an expanded view of the 3 group moving frame which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 4 group frame unit which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the 3 group moving frame which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. FIG. 16A shows an assembled state of the zoom cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention, and FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the assembled state of the fixed cylinder and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the fixed cylinder and zoom operation ring which concern on the lens barrel of this invention. FIG. 18A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 18B is a perspective view seen from the rear side, showing a zoom operation ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. It is a development view showing a cam groove and the like of the first group guide ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of the focus cam ring which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view of the focus cam ring which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view of the 2 group moving frame which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. FIG. 23A is an overall development view and FIG. 23B is an enlarged view of a main part, showing a cam groove and the like of a focus cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. It is an expanded view of the 2 group moving frame which concerns on the lens barrel of this invention. FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate states during zoom operation according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 25A illustrates an infinite position (INF) on the wide (wide angle) side, and FIG. 25B illustrates each of a near position (NEAR) on the wide (wide angle) side. It is a perspective view. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an infinite position (INF) on the telephoto side, showing a state during zoom operation according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 27A is a front view, FIG. 27B is a side view, and FIG. 27C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled state of the second lens group according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a positional relationship between a fixed barrel and a focus cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention, FIG. 28A is an infinite position (INF) on the wide (wide angle) side, and FIG. 28B is a near position on the tele (telephoto) side. It is each perspective view of (NEAR). FIG. 29A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 29B is a perspective view seen from the rear side, showing a fixed holding frame according to the lens barrel of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the focus action | operation ring etc. which concern on the lens barrel of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the assembly state of 1st group cam ring, 4th group cam ring, etc. which concern on the lens barrel of this invention. FIG. 5 is a development view of an infinite position (INF) on the wide (wide angle) side, for explaining the relationship among the operations of the fixed barrel, the second group moving frame, and the focus cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a development view of a near position (NEAR) on the wide (wide angle) side, for explaining a relation of operations among a fixed cylinder, a second group moving frame, and a focus cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a development view of an infinite position (INF) on the tele (telephoto) side for explaining the relationship among the fixed barrel, the second group moving frame, and the focus cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a development view of a near position (NEAR) on the tele (telephoto) side, for explaining the relationship of the operations of the fixed cylinder, the second group moving frame, and the focus cam ring according to the lens barrel of the present invention. 1 is a front view of a digital single-lens reflex camera showing a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus using a lens barrel of the present invention. 1 is a rear view of a digital single-lens reflex camera showing a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus using the lens barrel of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a digital single-lens reflex camera showing a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus using a lens barrel of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a digital single-lens reflex camera showing a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus using a lens barrel of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... 1st lens group, 2 ... 2nd lens group, 3 ... 3rd lens group, 4 ... 4th lens group, 10 ... Lens barrel, 11 ... 1 group frame, 12 ... 2 group frame, 13 ... 3 group Moving frame, 14 ... 4 group frame unit, 15 ... 1 group cam ring (second cam cylinder), 16 ... Zoom cam ring (first cam cylinder), 17 ... Fixed ring, 18 ... Fixed holding ring, 21 ... 1 group guide Ring, 22 ... Zoom operation ring, 23 ... Exterior cover, 24 ... Distance ring, 25 ... Focus cam ring, 26 ... Four-group cam ring (third cam cylinder), 28 ... Focus operating ring, 31 ... Lens barrel ring, 32 ... 1-group ball frame, 33 ... 1-group pin, 34 ... Anti-rotation convex part, 36 ... Axial groove, 37 ... Circumferential groove, 38 ... Cam groove, 40 ... Straight guide groove, 41 ... Straight guide long groove, 42 ... Rotation guide long groove, 43 ... Zoom interlocking pin, 44 ... Connecting cam pin, 45 ... Cam groove, 46 ... lead groove, 47 ... fitting projection, 48 ... connecting arm, 51 ... group 4 cam groove, 52 ... group 4 auxiliary cam groove, 53 ... group 4 cam pin, 54 ... group 4 straight guide groove, 55 ... 4 group auxiliary cam pins, 56 ... 3 group ball frame, 58 ... 3 group pin, 61 ... 4 group moving frame, 62 ... 4 group ball frame, 74 ... 2 group frame assembly, 75 ... 2 group moving frame, 76 ... 2nd group ball frame, 77 ... Focus interlocking lever, 78 ... Variator cam, 79 ... Position restricting part, 79a ... Horizontal part, 79b ... Vertical part, 84 ... 2nd group cam pin, 85 ... Focus cam pin, 89 ... Connecting arm, 91 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Clutch unit, 92 ... Focus operation ring, 95 ... Connection arm, 100 ... Digital single-lens reflex camera (imaging device), 101 ... Camera body part

Claims (6)

In a lens barrel that includes at least two cam barrels and moves the lens group via the operation of the two cam barrels by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring
A first cam cylinder that drives a part of the lens group by an operation based on rotation of the operation ring;
A second cam cylinder that moves a part of the lens group in the optical axis direction by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring and is rotated at a rotation speed different from that of the first cam cylinder is provided. Lens barrel to be used. The operation ring is a zoom operation ring for performing a zoom operation,
The first cam cylinder is a zoom cam ring that drives a part of the lens group by a zoom operation based on the rotation of the zoom operation ring,
The second cam cylinder moves a part of the lens group in the optical axis direction by a zoom operation based on the rotation of the zoom operation ring, and is rotated at a rotation speed different from that of the first cam cylinder. The lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein: The first cam cylinder rotates at the same speed as the operation ring,
The lens barrel according to claim 2, wherein the second cam barrel rotates at a speed different from that of the operation ring. The lens barrel according to claim 2, wherein a rotation speed of the second cam cylinder is smaller than a rotation speed of the first cam cylinder. The second cam cylinder has a convex portion,
The lens barrel according to claim 2, wherein a fixed cylinder having a lead groove with which the convex portion is slidably engaged is provided, and the fixed cylinder is held unrotatable. In an imaging apparatus equipped with a lens barrel,
The lens barrel is
A lens barrel that includes at least two cam barrels and moves the lens group via the operation of the two cam barrels by an operation based on rotation of an operation ring;
A first cam cylinder that drives a part of the lens group by an operation based on rotation of the operation ring;
A second cam cylinder that moves a part of the lens group in the optical axis direction by an operation based on the rotation of the operation ring and is rotated at a rotation speed different from that of the first cam cylinder is provided. An imaging device.

Images